Photo credit: Nurse John

What started as a way to cope with the pressures of working as a frontline nurse during the COVID-19 pandemic has turned into a global success story for Filipino-Canadian content creator John Dela Cruz, better known to millions online as Nurse John.

Dela Cruz has earned a spot on Forbes' 2026 Top Creators list, ranking No. 28 among the world's most influential digital personalities. The recognition places him alongside some of the biggest names in online entertainment and highlights the growing impact of Filipino creators on the global stage.

According to Forbes, Nurse John has built a social media following of 19.2 million people across various platforms while generating an estimated $7.2 million in earnings over the past year. The achievement marks a remarkable journey for someone who once spent long shifts caring for patients in Canadian hospitals.

Nurse John first gained popularity during the pandemic when he began posting humorous and relatable videos about the realities of working in healthcare. His content quickly resonated not only with nurses and medical workers but also with audiences who appreciated his candid and comedic take on everyday struggles inside hospitals.

As his online audience grew, Dela Cruz expanded beyond social media and launched his "Short-Staffed Tour," a live comedy show inspired by his experiences in the healthcare profession. The tour has become a major success, selling more than 250,000 tickets worldwide since its launch in 2024. Sold-out shows across Australia, New Zealand, Europe, and North America have helped transform the former frontline worker into an international entertainment star.

Earlier this year, Nurse John returned to the Philippines for a highly anticipated stop of his tour at the Mall of Asia Arena, where thousands of fans gathered to watch the creator who proudly embraces his Filipino roots. The show was one of the biggest highlights of his career and further strengthened his connection with supporters in the country.

Forbes noted that the 50 creators included in this year's ranking collectively earned more than $1 billion, reflecting the growing influence of digital personalities in entertainment, media, and business. Among them, Nurse John stands out as one of the few healthcare professionals who successfully turned his personal experiences into a global brand while continuing to advocate for nurses and healthcare workers.

From hospital hallways to sold-out arenas and one of Forbes' most prestigious creator rankings, Nurse John's latest achievement serves as another reminder of how a simple idea—and a few relatable videos—can evolve into a worldwide phenomenon.